Notes from this week's podcast: Jo & Sydney on Families Intentionally Following Christ

In seeking to point our family in God's ways, "No one has it all right but your heart is to seek what is right and right for your family." (Jo)

Jo: What is your schedule going to be to educate your children so that you raise them up in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord? 

Sydney: Three points: Our Gaze (What are we focusing on?), Staying Anchored, Finding Freedom 

Our Gaze = choosing a school and extracurriculars and schedules > To what end are we doing these things?

Aim for what is bringing Him glory. It's hard to connect at home, to have discipleship, to have peace in the home if there's too much scurrying, busyness, and I think the enemy loves to use it to have families drift away from His ways. You can have good aim, but what are we doing to stay anchored?

Jo: The enemy will always be working behind the scenes to steal, kill and destroy what you've decided -- the aim. What about these things that come along the way that busyness creeps in? that competition creeps in? What do you do to intentionally correct it so that you stay on course? 

Sydney: The word is pre deciding -- doing the front work before it starts creeping in. W

What are you going to say yes to? What are the non-negotiable in our family? For us, it's church -- connecting to God's people, staying close to the Lord; it's protective (guardrails), plus classes and mentors

Every child is so incredibly different -- that's where it takes true discernment and praying, asking God what each child needs. * Have the boldness to say no. 

It's not perfect. It does not look perfect, but it's our aim to have true connection and not running ragged everyday. 

Jo: One of the red flags is "draining." The enemy will use it on us: we have to keep going and be supermom. How would you address that? 

Sydney: It's not from the Lord -- that constant draining feeling. He desires for us to walk in freedom. 

The enemy comes fast. The Lord gives life -- live life abundant and full. > not always easy, not always perfect. You can breathe and not feel like you have to do it all. Have a heartbeat on your family

Jo: Give yourself permission that it's ok to pull back. if your joy has been snatched (not just for one day), that's a red flag. Ask God: How do we get back to our joy? (Prayer and fasting)

How can you look out and evaluate if this is the world or the Word? 

Sydney: The song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" has been stirring in my heart: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of the world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

In our house, we do morning devotionals and nighttime worship songs. Be vigilant. Be the example for the children.

Jo: God gives grace, not guilt (from the enemy) when we do mess up

Sydney: I can start fresh this school year on new habits. My prayer: They can use God's truth in a powerful way.

Jo: Like Esther, life is all about a preparation.

Scripture for further encouragement: Colossians 3:1-3, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Matthew 11:30, John 10:10, John 8:32, the book of Esther